New City, N.Y. — Rockland County officials announced that more than $771,000 in college tuition reimbursements has been distributed to volunteer firefighters and emergency medical service personnel through the County’s Higher Education Recruitment & Retention Opportunities (HERRO) Program since its launch in 2023.
According to Rockland County Executive Ed Day and Rockland County Office of Fire and Emergency Services Director Chris Kear, the program has provided financial assistance to 313 volunteer first responders pursuing higher education while serving their communities.
County officials created the HERRO program in response to increasing recruitment and retention challenges facing volunteer fire departments and EMS agencies in Rockland County and across the country. Many emergency response organizations rely heavily on volunteers, but officials say younger volunteers often face difficulties balancing emergency service responsibilities with the rising cost of college tuition and related educational expenses.
Under the program, eligible volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel may receive up to $6,000 annually in tuition reimbursement, with a maximum of $3,000 available per semester. The reimbursement applies to tuition costs at accredited educational institutions.
“Volunteer first responders make extraordinary sacrifices,” County Executive Ed Day said in a statement announcing the milestone. “They leave home, work, or class at a moment’s notice to help someone in crisis. By easing the cost of attending college, we can make it easier for them to continue serving while pursuing their goals.”
County officials described the program as both a recruitment and retention tool intended to strengthen the long-term stability of local emergency services agencies. Volunteer fire departments and EMS organizations often depend on community members willing to respond to emergencies during evenings, weekends, holidays, and other unpredictable hours.
Rockland County officials reported that EMS agencies in the county responded to more than 70,000 calls last year, while local fire departments handled more than 11,000 emergency incidents. Those responses included medical emergencies, fires, accidents, rescue operations, and other public safety incidents requiring immediate assistance.
“Our volunteers are essential to the safety and resilience of Rockland County,” OFES Director Chris Kear said in a statement. “The HERRO program is a tangible way to show our gratitude and ensure these agencies remain strong for years to come.”
Emergency service agencies nationwide have faced ongoing concerns related to volunteer shortages, aging membership, and recruitment difficulties. Local governments and emergency management organizations have increasingly explored financial incentives, educational assistance programs, and expanded training opportunities to encourage participation among younger residents.
Rockland County officials said the HERRO program is intended to reduce some of the financial barriers that may prevent students and young adults from volunteering in emergency services roles. Supporters of the initiative argue that tuition assistance can help attract new volunteers while encouraging existing members to remain active in their departments and agencies.
The County is encouraging eligible volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel to apply for the program. Information regarding eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and required documentation is available through the Fire and Emergency Services section of the Rockland County government website.
County officials did not announce any planned changes to the program but indicated that the initiative remains an ongoing investment in Rockland County’s volunteer emergency response system.